Society and Enterprise Development Institute

Society and Enterprise Development Institute (SEDI), operating as a fully functioning NGO since 2018, is committed to fostering social and civic engagement, volunteering, and entrepreneurship in Lithuania’s remote regions and beyond. With a dedicated team of three full-time employees, six part-time mentors, six international volunteers through the European Solidarity Corps program, and 20 local youth volunteers, SEDI drives impactful initiatives that empower youth and strengthen local communities.

Our expertise lies in developing and implementing projects of local, national, and international importance, such as youth initiatives, international exchanges, democracy projects, and strategic partnerships. These efforts are rooted in trust and collaboration with a network of partners, including schools, colleges, universities, non-governmental organizations, and foreign embassies. Through these partnerships, SEDI fosters cross-border connections within the European Union and beyond, promoting examples of effective, inclusive communication.

SEDI’s activities are concentrated in the Lithuanian regions of Marijampolė and Alytus, with occasional collaborations extending nationwide. We maintain a strong network of youth workers, career counselors, and tutors, connecting with over 70 professionals and directly engaging 100–120 young people monthly. Additionally, through the coordination of a local youth information center, we reach up to 10,000 young individuals monthly via social media.
Our strategic focus is centered on four key directions: (1) fostering entrepreneurship and employability, (2) promoting and strengthening volunteering, (3) creating inclusive opportunities for people with fewer advantages, and (4) engaging young people and local communities in civic activities. Our primary target groups include local youth aged 14–19, rural youth, international volunteers, and youth workers, ensuring a broad and diverse impact.

SEDI also coordinates a regional network of organizations, including libraries, kindergartens, hospitals, cultural centers, museums, social centers, and youth centers, which host and support local youth volunteers. Additionally, we actively collaborate with local and national media platforms, including www.suduvosgidas.lt, www.mmm.lt, www.mususavaite.lt, Marijampolė Television, www.zinauviska.lt youth portal, and www.etaplius.lt, to amplify the reach and visibility of our initiatives.

With a proven track record and a mission to empower youth and strengthen communities, SEDI continues to build a more inclusive, engaged, and entrepreneurial society in Lithuania and beyond.

The Society and Enterprise Development Institute (SEDI) boasts extensive expertise in developing and implementing impactful projects at local, national, and international levels. Since its establishment, SEDI has been instrumental in initiatives such as youth exchanges, democracy projects, and strategic partnerships, earning a reputation for fostering trust-based collaborations and creating lasting connections between organizations within the European Union and beyond. Our team’s proven ability to work effectively with schools, universities, NGOs, and foreign embassies highlights our commitment to raising cultural awareness and empowering young people across diverse communities.

With over a decade of successful project experience, SEDI seamlessly integrates into Erasmus+ and other European programs. We have actively engaged in Youth in Action and Erasmus+ initiatives, from youth democracy projects to strategic partnerships, building a strong network of trusted partners both at home and abroad. Beyond projects, we involve young people in dynamic activities such as debates, volunteering, cultural events, and career workshops, helping them discover opportunities at the local, national, and European levels.

In 2019, we refined our focus into four strategic directions:

1. Volunteering. We strengthen the organization and quality of voluntary activities for youth and local communities in Marijampolė and Alytus counties. SEDI coordinates Youth Voluntary Service programs and oversees international volunteering projects under the European Solidarity Corps. We also enhance the skills of volunteer mentors, tutors, and coordinators through training, study visits, and the sharing of best practices.

2. Entrepreneurship. We nurture entrepreneurial skills through creativity training, mentoring, and consulting sessions. Initiatives like the Entrepreneurship Academy support young business founders with training, guidance, and tools. We emphasize storytelling and creativity as the foundation of entrepreneurship, inspiring innovative ideas over conventional pathways.

3. Inclusion. SEDI promotes intercultural awareness and addresses marginalized topics such as sexuality education, mental health, and challenges faced by rural youth. We actively support the development of initiatives like the "Suvalkijos saulytės" day center for children with disabilities, providing consultation and advocacy. For last 5 years SEDI actively supports youth mental health through innovative programs like the Mental Health Youth Ambassadors and Look Deeper campaigns. These efforts aim to empower individuals to recognize and address mental health challenges, reduce stigma, and foster inclusivity in communities. By engaging young people in open discussions, camps, and educational activities, SEDI encourages emotional awareness, self-acceptance, and proactive help-seeking behavior. The initiatives also focus on challenging societal myths and stereotypes about mental health, building a foundation for a more tolerant and informed society.

4. Citizenship. We cultivate a broad understanding of citizenship by fostering solidarity, environmental responsibility, and active community participation. From coordinating youth-led initiatives to international volunteering projects, we help young people realize their potential to contribute meaningfully to society.

SEDI plays a pivotal role in youth-focused initiatives, including the 2023 Lithuanian Youth Capital program in Marijampolė, where we led youth ambassador activities, communications, and engagement efforts. Our current projects include two KA2 partnerships: one combining cultural and youth fields by exploring artists' rejection stories with Lithuanian, Estonian, and Italian partners, and another creating a toolkit for youth workers to facilitate non-formal entrepreneurship education with Icelandic and Spanish collaborators.

Holding Erasmus+ accreditation, we organize annual training courses, youth exchanges, and national conferences, ensuring consistent, high-quality opportunities for youth development. Additionally, our two ongoing Participation Projects in Marijampolė and Alytus foster vibrant, active youth communities in these regions.

With a growing team, enhanced competencies, and a robust network of partners, SEDI continues to deliver innovative programs that inspire, empower, and connect young people and communities across Lithuania and beyond.